2018 Opel Corsa spied testing

The sixth-generation Opel Corsa has been spied in Europe ahead of its rumoured launch in 2018.

With all the camouflage applied to this prototype, it’s hard to make out the car’s finer styling points. Despite that, though, we can see that the new Corsa will feature head- and tail-lights, and a grille, that are not dissimilar to those used on the next-generation Astra.

Indeed, the overall design will likely mirror that of its bigger sibling, although the Corsa’s shape, in the interests of space efficiency, seems to be a little stockier and more upright than the Astra.

As with almost all new cars released today, expect the Corsa’s to feature lightweight materials, such as high-strength steel and, possibly, aluminium. This should ensure that the new car is not only lighter, but more fuel efficient, and faster than today’s vehicle.

Under the bonnet, the Corsa will likely feature three- and four-cylinder engines, many with forced induction.

While the current car shares its underpinnings with the Fiat Punto, the next-generation Corsa is thought to be based on a platform exclusive to GM. This platform will likely be shared with the next-generation Chevrolet Sonic/Aveo.

Australia

At present, our Holden Barina is a rebadged version of the Sonic/Aveo sourced from Asia. Given the price sensitivity at this end of the market, it’s unlikely that Holden will use the new Opel Corsa as the basis for the next-generation Barina.